Atiku Cautions Military Against Using Security Matters For PR Stunts

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to collectively protect the country’s democracy, which was attained after years of struggle to end military rule in Nigeria.
 In a Democracy Day message issued by his Media Office in Abuja, Atiku encouraged Nigerians to emulate the examples of statesmen and women like late MKO Abiola, Bola Ige, Kudirat Abiola and Gani Fawehinmi, whose lives were fully committed to democracy in Nigeria.

 As Nigeria commemorates the restoration of democracy in the country, Atiku said that the end of military rule in Nigeria brought about a new era of regular elections as well as the return of civil liberties, free press and an end to arbitrary arrests and torture, but said that Nigeria was gradually deviating from that path.

 “The responsibility for our country’s democracy lies with each and every one of us,” he said.  “We must participate actively in the process of governance, and ensure that the constitution and the rule of law are upheld at all times.”

 He described as pitiful, a situation where the government and the armed forces debate critical issues bordering on national security in public. “Relations between civil-military authorities should be managed with care and maturity to safeguard our democracy. Some of the issues being discussed in public are not matters for the market square,” Atiku emphasized. The former Vice President then urged Nigerians to contribute their quota to national security, by reporting any suspicious activity to the police.

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PDP Will Rule Beyond 2019 – Anenih

Controversial Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, has said that the ruling party is looking beyond 2015 and even 2019 in providing leadership for a democratic Nigeria.
Anenih, in a statement titled: “Nigeria is stronger than it has even been” issued in Abuja to commemorate 15 years of uninterrupted Fourth Republic Democracy, said the PDP-led Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan has been upholding the sanctity of unfettered democratic interaction and expression in the country since stepping in the saddle. He declared that despite the security challenges occasioned by the scourge of terrorism, Nigeria remains stronger than it has ever been.
The statement reads: “May 29, 2014 marks 15 years since Nigeria returned to democracy.  I congratulate all Nigerians on this important occasion, especially since our nation is now well into her longest running democratic dispensation since independence in 1960.
“This year’s Democracy Day falls within a period when, arising from the scourge of terrorism, some people question the strength of our democracy and unity. Without hesitation, I assure all Nigerians that, despite the challenges we are facing today, Nigeria is stronger than it has ever been.
“Let me express how grateful we, in the Peoples Democratic Party, are to our fellow compatriots that they have entrusted our great party with steering the ship of state since our nation’s return to democracy in 1999.  It has been a great privilege and a momentous undertaking.
“And though—as with all human endeavours—we have had differences with our fellow citizens on the other side of the political divide, our on-going democratic journey is proof that the PDP continues to faithfully discharge its foremost duty to our country, which is sustaining a stable, functional and democratic State.
“Indeed, in its 15 years at the helm of affairs of our great nation, the PDP has created an atmosphere that allows total freedom of expression, dissent and the greatest level of inclusive political participation ever recorded in our country.  A case in point is that never before has Nigeria seen the high number of women in senior elective and appointive positions as obtains today under the PDP’s leadership
“Moreover, it is to the credit of the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan-led PDP government that this ambience of democratic freedom has encouraged the most combative opposition rhetoric ever experienced in Nigeria’s history.  President Jonathan has also demonstrated respect for the rule of law by his non-interference in judicial, legislative and electoral matters.
“Ironically, our liberal and exceptionally tolerant President has been vilified for promoting and protecting the very democratic freedoms that others are using unfairly against the government.
“Be that as it may, certain that we are on the side of what is right by upholding the sanctity of unfettered democratic interaction and expression in our country, the PDP is looking beyond 2015 and even 2019 when the Fourth Republic will be twenty years old.
“The reason for our confidence stems from the fact that the PDP has always been the party of the people, for the people and by the people.  Furthermore, our unequalled experience in successfully piloting the affairs of State is what ensured that, for the first time in the course of Nigeria’s history, under the PDP we witnessed the smooth transfer of power from one civilian president to another; and the successful constitutional succession politics after the unfortunate and untimely death of our dear President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in office.
“In addition, the PDP has been responsible for the strategic restructuring of a largely state-run economy to a free-market economy, thereby engendering greater human development, free enterprise and irreversible economic expansion.  It is important to note that pursuing policies that are necessary for inclusive economic growth has further guaranteed our political and democratic stability.
“Besides, the rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for 2013, which showed an 89 percent increase in the estimated size of Nigeria’s economy, making it the top economy in Africa, has also seen our debt-to-GDP-ratio, shrink to 11 per cent.  In the past four years, Nigeria has remained the choice destination for Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Africa.
“As has been widely noted, the success of the World Economic Forum on Africa (WEFA) held recently in Abuja is an affirmation from the international community that Nigeria’s democracy is on a firm footing despite security challenges.
“Lest we forget, before the advent of the first PDP government in 1999, official statistics placed the number of telephone lines in Nigeria at just about 500,000. Today, the Nigerian Communications Commission reports that there are well over 120 million active telephone lines in Nigeria.  The benefits and the multiplier effects to our economy are phenomenal.
“I would like to point out that in the PDP we are continually strengthening the mechanism for internal democracy and would urge all other parties to also do the same.
“Finally, as we mark the anniversary of our return to Democracy, all Nigerians must stand together against the forces that seek to endanger our freedoms, unity and security.”

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Jonathan Declares Total War On Boko Haram…Mulls Amnesty For Insurgents

President Goodluck Jonathan today said he has ordered a full scale war on Boko Haram insurgents as he vowed to protect the nation's democracy, unity and stability. Mr Jonathan who declared this in a national broadcast to mark Nigeria's democracy day also mulled the possibility of dialoguing with the insurgents. According to him "I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil. I have also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal. "For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace. My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society." The full text reads: 1.   I greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country. 2.  Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.” 3.  Although I have ordered a low-key commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people. 4.  As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law and freedom of expression. 5.  As a result of our collective efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it. The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people over the past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure. 6.  On my watch, we have witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services. 7.  In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled personnel. 8. Significant increase in mobile telephone and national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy.  We have also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints. 9.  Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged in Abuja early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa. 10.  The event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few years. 11.  In foreign relations, our country has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This has helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in multilateral institutions including the United Nations. 12.  Furthermore, under this administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly representative of the people’s free choice. The National Conference we initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving our current political and socio-economic challenges is on-going. It is our expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness. Dear Compatriots, 13.  It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedom we cherish and celebrate today. 14.  The despicable abduction of school girls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanize our nation. 15.  In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been  injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states  is in jeopardy. 16.  There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue. 17.  I welcome the statements of solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in support of our efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud the understanding that in a democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism. Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for present and future generations. 18.  Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone,  Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times. 19.  Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists. 20. It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home. 21.  I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil. 22.  I have also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal. 23.  For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace. 24.    My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society. Dear Compatriots, 25. We must remain united to win the war against terrorism. Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear. 26.   The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces. 27.   We are a strong, resilient and courageous people.  We will continue to partner with the civilized world, to confront international terrorism and every other challenge that comes our way with patriotic zeal and determination. Fellow Nigerians, 28.  Yes, we have challenges but we will surely overcome. Nigeria is our country. Nigeria is blessed. We will all collectively protect, defend and develop this country for ourselves, and our children. 29.  Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 30.  Thank you and God bless Nigeria.  

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APC Condemns Attack On ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ Protesters, Calls Attack Orchestrated

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the attack by apparently-sponsored thugs against the 'bring back our girls' protesters who have hitherto conducted themselves in a civil and peaceful manner, calling the attack deplorable and definitely orchestrated to shift the focus from 'bring back our girls' to 'release our girls'. In a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the attack on the protesters in Abuja has confirmed its worst fears that the federal government was embarking on a campaign to shift the responsibility from the government to the abductors, in line with President Goodluck Jonathan's admonition to the protesters to direct their protests at the abductors rather than to his government. The party wondered why the government would be pushing its responsibility to ensure the welfare and security of Nigerians to a band of terrorists. ''When we said this federal government has abdicated its responsibility to Nigerians, the government's apologists twisted that statement of fact to mean that we are insulting the President. Well, what does one make of a government that has now rented a crowd of delinquents to attack the 'bring back our girls' protesters and counter their message? ''Nigerians voted for Goodluck Jonathan as President, and not for the terrorist called Abubakar Shekau. It is therefore right for them to demand action to return the girls safely from their President, rather than from the anarchist, Shekau,'' it said. APC said the fact that the 'release our girls Boko Haram' hooligans who invaded the Unity Fountain gathering of the 'bring back our girls' protesters came in SURE-P buses and were not restrained by the police, even when letters have been written to the security agency alerting it to such attack, has shown that they enjoy some protection from the authorities and are being sponsored to harass the decent and focused protesters who have helped call global attention to the plight of the innocent girls. ''This obnoxious campaign to shift the responsibility for the safety and security of the girls from the government to the terrorists started with the sponsored protests to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja and has continued with the depressing attacks on a women-led group by a band of paid ruffians. ''Worst still, a government that so far has proven to be clueless and incompetent in ensuring the safe return of the girls has now resorted to wasting taxpayers money to rent a crowd of scallywags to assault innocent Nigerians, who are mostly women, and distort the image of the highly-responsible 'bring back our girls' protesters. ''While every group, no matter its sponsors and objectives, is free to exercise the constitutionally-guaranteed right to freedom of assembly and association, no group has a right to attack the other for whatever reason,'' the party said. It urged the government to focus its energy on how to bring back the girls safely, more than one-and-a-half months into their abduction, warning that the entire people of Nigeria as well as the international community will definitely frown at the government's new and odious tactics to muddle the waters. ''President Jonathan must immediately and publicly condemn the sponsored attack on the peaceful protesters and order the police to provide round-the-clock security for them, failing which it will be safe to assume that the attackers have his blessings,'' APC said. The party hailed the 'bring back our girls' protesters for their peaceful and civil conduct even in the face of incredible provocation that they have had to endure, and urge them to continue their protests in that spirit.

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US doubts Nigeria’s claim of sighting abducted schoogirls

The United States said on Tuesday it did not have independent information to confirm Nigeria’s claim to know the whereabouts of more than 200 kidnapped girls and questioned the wisdom of making public such information.
“We don’t have independent information from the United States to support these reports you referenced,” U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said when asked about Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff Air Marshal Alex Badeh’s statement that the military knew where the abducted girls were.
“We, as a matter of policy and for the girls’ safety and wellbeing, would not discuss publicly this sort of information regardless.”

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Chibok Girls: ‘Condemn the animals, not govt.’ – Suswam

Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State

Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue state on Tuesday in Abuja said Nigerians must playing politics with the kidnap of over 200 school girls by Boko Haram slamic sect in Borno state.

He said Nigerians should stop condemning the government but rather condemn the perpetuators.

“People should not play politics with security matter in the way that I have seen people play politics with Chibok girls.

“Instead of condemning the animals that are perpetrating these acts, people are condemning the government,” he said.

Suswam also described the purported letters from Boko Haram warning of an impending attacks on schools in Benue as a ‘mischief’.

Suswam spoke to State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said the letters emanated from mischief makers, though, the state government had taken proactive measures to forestall any occurrence, saying: “I think that letter was from some mischievous people.

“The way the letter was written showed it was from some mischievous elements and not from the quarters that it was purported to have come from,” he said.

He said that Nigerians should join hands with government to tackle the security challenges in the country and condemn the abduction of the girls, rather than cast aspersions at the president.

“If people are throwing bombs, kidnapping our children, instead of people to join hands with government, they are demonstrating against government.

“It has become job for the jobless who will gather everyday to condemn government instead of condemning the act itself.

“People are playing politics with this and it has the tendency and potential of consuming everybody not just President Jonathan or the PDP government.

“If this country goes down, it is not PDP alone that will go down,” he said.

Suswam said the country would emerge from the crises victorious, stronger and more united.

He quoted the late Tai Solarin as saying that “when there is vibration a lot of people confuse it to mean crisis. What we are experiencing in Nigeria is vibration.

“We will pass through it. Look at the history of developed countries. They passed through it,” he said.

On the security situation in Benue, Suswam said that it had relatively calmed down and there was relative peace on the clashes between Fulani pastoralists and farmers.

“It has substantially calmed down. We don’t have very serious issues. We have had incidents of where some of the herdsmen raped a woman but we are dealing with that.

“We have arrested them, we are dealing with that through the police and other law enforcement agencies. Outside that, the situation has substantially calmed down.”

He also said the state government was at the verge of signing a deal with Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to end the six months primary school teachers strike in the state.

“It is an unfortunate situation. I never believed that schools will be closed for six months, but that has happened.

“The fact of the matter is that the state cannot afford to pay what they are asking for. The money is simply not there,’’ he said.

He, however, assured that by the end of the month or early June the primary school teachers would go back the schools.

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